Happy Birthday, Shakespeare
Yesterday William Shakespeare was 444 years old and is still recognized as the greatest writer in the English (and perhaps any) language. Many happy returns of the day.
posted by G.Rap | 9:40 AM
3 Comments:
Happy birthday to the Bard!
In celebration of his birth and life, his greatest works should be read as they were written -- in their original middle English -- by people everywhere. Struggling from time to time with Shakespeare's actual language (and NOT assuming modern meanings) will not only enhance the readers' vocabulary but also will brighten the meaning, enjoyment and enlightenment received from the texts. Such a reading will also give the reader a greater appreciation of Shakespeare's full brilliance.
Good comment from Stephen R., except that Shakespeare wrote not in Middle English (as Chaucer did) but in Modern English (as we do, or used to do). Reading Shakespeare's own words is certainly essential to true appreciation.
I apologize for erring with respect to the period of Shakespeare's written English. From reading a current newspaper -- whether it be the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal or any more local periodical -- it is clear that most people (writers and editors) do not know proper written English.
That Shakespeare wrote in our moder English makes reading the original seem even that much more important to be truly well read and well educated.
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